News Article

Phylion Prismatic Cells to Boost E-Cargo Bike Market

SUZHOU, China – E-Cargo bikes batteries have different requirements compared to regular e-bikes. Besides the need for more power and a longer life cycle, operators have often set higher safety standards. Phylion is targeting their unique prismatic laminated battery cells to specific e-cargo bike use.

Phylion’s prismatic 1833 battery cell product line. – Photos Phylion

The Super LMO cathode material, patented by Phylion and used in its prismatic cell, has a good overcharging resistance, which can inhibit the formation of lithium dendrite and prevent short circuiting inside the battery. Considering its low temperature resistance and power performance, LMO is, according to Phylion “The most suitable cathode material for lithium batteries for e-bikes at this stage. The prismatic structure offers less internal resistance and better heat dissipation than the cylindrical structure.”

Longer life cycles

Compared to cylindrical cells, Phylion’s patented prismatic cells offer multiple cycle life advantages. Under the same conditions as a 1C discharge, the Phylion battery pack model 4812 (48V, 12Ah) with prismatic cells can reach 1,200 cycles with a retention rate of 80%, and 1,500 cycles with the retention rate of 50%. While the best performance of the 18650 cylindrical cells is no more than 900 cycles after which the retention rate sharply declines. According to Phylion their 4812 battery pack will provide e-cargo bikes a life cycle of 3-5 years based on average European riding conditions. Phylion assumes that the weight of an e-cargo bike ranges between 20-170 kilogram, and the loading capacity between 50 -350 kilogram. These e-cargo bikes are often specified with a 350 to 500W motor.

Discharge performance at low temperatures

Contrary to cylindrical cells, the discharge performance of Phylion’s patented prismatic cells at low temperatures is very high. The nominal capacity of the prismatic cells is about 90% under 1C discharge at -10 degrees Celsius. Batteries using 18650 cells have a minimum capacity of 62% and a maximum capacity of 71%. And when the temperature drops to -20 degrees, the Phylion battery still retains 80% above nominal capacity, while the 18650 battery is at its best at 75%. Some even couldn’t discharge at all. Phylion points out that the BMS as well as the battery pack design also ensures the battery’s safety and its performance under harsh conditions.

Next generation

Phylion’s Super LMO 1833 battery with prismatic cells comes in two models, a 13Ah and 15Ah. Both have a nominal 3.7V, and maximum discharge current of 2C. It is widely used in e-bikes and electric logistics vehicles. Phylion’s annual production capacity is around 46.8 million cells, ensuring the growing market demand. In the near future, Phylion’s upgraded prismatic cell model 21115 will be mass-produced as well. To meet the demand for more power, it offers a capacity of 20Ah or 24Ah.

E-Cargo bike

E-cargo bikes are especially suitable for time-critical deliveries of packages, mail and smaller goods in food, construction and service logistics. While not being troubled by traffic jams, they are able to distribute goods pollution-free. These characteristics are making the use of e-cargo bikes the preferred option for many postal units and express companies in Europe. In addition to the major bicycle brands, also well-known automotive companies are launching their own e-cargo bikes considering it to become a major trend in future urban mobility development connected to electric bicycles.